3 replies to this topic

[bangermadness08]

hello all,

 

this winter i plan on making some improvements to my engine bay. The engine will remain in situ as i have no lift, and no where to store it, but i can see rust maybe surface creeping in around where the master cylinder bolts to, and where the relays attch etc. the repaint will be rattle can and this is due to finances (moving flat soon).

 

At NEC last weekend i got some wire wheels for both drill & angle grinder and im confident that the wire wheels for the drill will be most appropriate. 

 

However i had seen a lot of primer options, red oxide etc and didnt want to purchase the wrong ones. I really want to make a decent effot despite the purse strings a little tighter than normal. 

 

i have purchased Bilthamber rust corrective, but to prevent rust re-occuring and this would help knowing when panels need replacing, what protective measures can i use before final paint.  im confident that i will remove old paint rust down to bare metal and when treated with rust prevention, what else woudl be recommended. 

 

This will be a slow slog, i want to clean all wiring, relays repaint block, etc so time isnt of the essance. 

 

any handy tips, advice is always welcome :)

 

[shera12]

Hey, sounds like a fun winter project. Since you’ll be keeping the engine in place, your plan to get down to bare metal and use a rust treatment like Bilthamber is spot on. After that, a good primer (red oxide or etch primer) will help the paint stick and protect against future rust. Once primed, a couple of rattle can coats on top should do the job for your engine bay.

Other tips:

1. Mask off wiring, connectors, and sensitive parts before painting.

2. Consider using a clear lacquer or protective spray over painted areas for extra protection.

3. Take your time cleaning and prepping surfaces — it makes a big difference in the finish.

Even with a tight budget, careful prep and layers of protection will give a tidy, lasting result! 

[sonscar]

Clean as much rust as possible manually then deox gel to remove the rest and then overcoat with epoxy primer.Seems expensive but it will be the best possible substrate for any other type of covering.Look into citric acid rust removal( not conversion),more labour intensive but very cheap.Again;use epoxy primer which you can safely brush on.Just my experience.Steve..

[stuart bowes]

nuts / bolts / bare metal parts can be left in double strength white vinegar overnight, wire wheel on a drill and they'll shine up nice again

Edited by stuart bowes, 14 November 2025 - 12:33 PM.